Hello all,

I'm traveling around Central America in an 89 Subaru Vanagon. For a while
now I've had erratically high idling problems (usually at start up, until
warm, but occasionally at other times), as well as occasional stalling
problems at idle. I recently had my head gaskets replaced, and I was hoping
that would solve the problem. It didn't. I also have for a long time had
a slight stall when I crank the engine (turn the key, stall, then ignition)
which has gotten worse lately. I'm getting ready for a trip across some
intense Guatemalan mountains, especially the last leg that is a drastic
incline for 30-45 minutes. I don't want the van to get stuck down in the
village (around Lake Atitlan), especially since there are no professional
mechanics there. How serious is this type of problem? Could it keep the van
from coming back up? How hard is it to diagnose and fix? I've heard about
using propane to locate leaks (which don't appear obvious at the moment),
but is that more complicated than it sounds?  Am I better off heading back
to Guatemala City where I know a good Subaru mechanic? (I really don't want
to do this.)

Any advice is appreciated. Please be sure to reply to me directly.

Many thanks,
Joshua